Fire rated downlights, features and benefits, fire protection recessed lights

There are some fire rated downlights introduced on our website, via the Ceiling Lights section, and Aurora has a say in this matter – read about the technology behind the fire-rated downlights. Below is a picture explaining the main technologies/parts incorporated in such a fire protection recessed fixed light, and some of the features and benefits of using these fittings.

• Quick fit cable grip allows loop-in, loop-out wiring;
• Superior ventilation for optimum lamp & downlight operating temperature;
• Integrated intumescent material seals downlight;
• High quality cast aluminium lock ring downlight;
• Springs for installation in ceiling materials up to 35mm;
• Recessed spring mountings for maximum cut-out clearance.

Features and Benefits of the Fire Rated Downlights

• F-Mark Approved
  Thermal tested and approved for mounting on normally flammable surfaces to comply with.
• F-Marking requirements
  Suitable for continuous usage with 50W Halogen lamps.
• Full Range of Compatible Accessories
  Floating glasses, slotted & coloured lock ring accessories to customise your installation and create varied lighting effect.
• Maintains the Ceiling Fire Barrier Integrity
  In compliance with the Building Regulations Approved Document B – Fire Safety.
• Maintains the Dwellings’ Air Leakage Requirements
  Products include seals to help compliance with Part C & L of the Building Regulations.
• Maintains the Ceiling’s Acoustic Properties
  In compliance with the Building Regulations Approved Document E – Resistance to the Passage of Sound.
• Simple and Versatile Installation
  Installation no different to a standard downlight. Suitable for installation in ceiling materials up to 35mm thick.
• Lamp Compatibility
  Designed for continuous use with both Dichroic & Aluminium reflector lamps.
• Integrated Intumescent Material
  Incorporated in the downlight completely seals the downlight and cut-out in the event of a fire.

Buy online Fire Rated Downlights via Sparksdirect.

all you need to know about the Hager Invicta 3 Type B Distribution Boards

can be found via our website and our blog – recently we started a series of articles about this series, the Hager Invicta 3 Type B, Distribution Boards (industrial consumer units), where we describe them and list their features as specified by the manufacturer, Hager. Here’s what you can find out about them until now:

The Hager Type B Distribution Boards – the Invicta 3 range – meets the 17th Edition needs

This article is introducing the new Hager Type B Distribution Boards – meeting the needs of the 17th Edition – part of the Industrial Distribution Boards; the Invicta 3 range: decisions, features (like: The Ease of metering, The Simple cable entry, The Neutral bars, The Earth terminal cabling, The Simple extensions, The Tap off board extension, and The Clear Labeling), and benefits.

This new range of Type B boards from Hager makes it easier for you to design and install electrical distribution systems that meet the needs of today and the future. Read more…

At least 4 reasons for choosing the Invicta 3 Type B Distribution Boards from Hager

Why should one specify the Hager Invicta 3 Type B boards? Read more in this article about some of the benefits brought by the Invicta 3 range, and then at least 4 reasons for which the Hager Invicta 3 Distribution Boards should be used where the need is(The Trunking Cable Entry, The Earth and Neutral Bars, The Metering, and The Glazed Door). Read more…

The new features and design of the Invicta 3 range of Type B Distribution Boards from Hager

The Invicta 3 range of Type B boards from Hager has been manufactured and designed to meet with the new IEE Wiring Regulations. Have a sneak preview in this article – see all of the new features that Hager has designed in and how this is going to make installing a distribution board so much easier(this guide is also online via Hager).

If you want to read more about these guides, you can find them online via Hager – Invicta 3 Distribution Boards Hager. On the other hand, if you want to purchase this range of Type B Distribution Boards(the Hager Invicta 3), visit our website – Industrial Consumer Units.

New lights, new blog, and new Whole House Ventilation system

It’s all new – we have been working hard this past week to put out many many new things and items, like – new light fittings, a new blog, and a new whole house ventilation system.

New Lights for indoors and outdoors

• New outdoor wall lights, exterior light fixtures, lamps and eyelids, LEDS-C4 made;
• New Outdoor Wall Lights and Spotlights, single or twin wall lamps, LEDS-C4 made, part 2;
• New Outdoor Ceiling Lights, Exterior Pendants and Flush Fittings, LEDS-C4 made;
• Momo Swing Arm Wall Light, switched wall mounted lamp with white/black shade;
• Indoor and outdoor lights – the new additions at SparksDirect;

A new blog – with New Lights from Sparks & Lights

• There are many different kinds of light fittings you can purchase via Sparks & Lights;
• New blog: Introducing the new lights for interior and/or exterior found at SparksDirect;
• New Bathroom Light: Palermo 1200, Longer Over-mirror Strip Light;

New Whole House Ventilation System – the AiroVent

• Not a simple, common system, but a Whole House Ventilation – Extractor Fan;
• The Airovent WHV-8 and WHV 8-14 – extracting the stale air from the whole house;
• More details and technical specs from the manufacturer(Airflow) – about the Airovent;

Lutron Breakfast at Sparks and Lights showroom, new: Lutron Grafik GRX-QS

We would like to thank all our customers that visited us yesterday morning, when the sales team from Lutron was here in our Sparks & Lights showroom(Archway, North London), for the Lutron Breakfast Morning. Some of you have seen the showcase from Lutron, with all their dimming system simulations, introducing the new systems and also speaking about the older/best selling models. Below you can find some pictures that are more representative of the event(don’t worry, we have tried not to post pictures of our customers necessarily, but mainly of the equipment and the showcase).

Welcome to the Lutron Breakfast Morning – this is part of the gear that the Lutron Sales Team brought to show us the new models(the Lutron GRX-QS series).

Lutron dimming systems showcase – these are some of the many devices that compose the Lutron Grafik 3000 system, ideal for total home dimming systems.

One of the Lutron’s representatives explaining the new Grafik system – the Lutron GRX-QS – to some of the visitors and customers. QS – total lighting control.

A closer look at the Lutron GRX-QS system, customisable preset light and blind control system, the new Grafik dimming system from Lutron(the full system includes more devices, like the remote control, the wall-mounted dimmers, the control panel, etc) – fully customisable, 16 zones!

The Lutron GRX-QS Control Panel, incorporated with the new Lutron QS technology(intuitive control of both electric light and daylight) – precision control of daylight and also energy saving!

We don’t have it yet on our website – the Lutron GRX-QS system – because Lutron just put this series out, but it will soon be online both on our blog and on our website – Lutron Grafik Systems.

Excellent Lights, One of a Kind – 10 amazing light fittings for the first to grab them!

We go through our Lights collection periodically, and the ones that are no longer manufactured, but we have them on display in stock, we list them at Ex-Display, Collection Only section. These are “One Of a Kind – Unique Light Fittings” – for in-store pick-up only. Being EOL(End Of Line) does not mean that they are not nice – check out below this list of 10 amazing light fittings available for the first one to come and get them!

Left: Laser arrow step light in pressed steel case with arrow cut out design. Requires 12V 60VA transformer which will run up to 12 fittings. Lamp included. Price: £20.00 (Save: 38% off, was: £32)
Right: Walkie Talkie Square waterproof recessed downlight for floor or solid wall. Optional housing for concrete(see below). Also suitable for external use. Price: £75.00 (Save: 50% off, was: £150).

Left: Murano Onda 30P satin-finish, curved and silk-screened glass with chromed detail wall light. Can be mounted adjacent to each other for effective. Price: £68.00 (Save: 55% off; was £152.00).
Right: Nemo Auriga square opal white glass wall light with blue glass inner circle. Lamp not included. Price: £48.00 (Save: 71% off; was: £165.00).

Left: Ferrara matt nickel wall light with five opal white glass shades. Low voltage fitting with integral transformer. Lamps included. Price: £65.00 (Save: 58% off; was: £156)
Right: Sestri ceramic square wall light. Lamp not included. Sestri Wall Light. Price: £10.00 (Save: 69% off; was: £32.00)

Left: Nemo Jupiter halogen wall light in polished aluminium provided with red light filters. Halogen lamp gives warm light and excellent colour rendering. Price: £20.00 (Save: 67% off; was: £60.00)
Right: Madrid brushed steel wall light with acid etched glass allowing light to diffuse both upwards and downwards. Lamp included. Price: £30.00 (Save: 56% off; was: £68.00)

Left: Garden pedestal lantern in silver grey finish. For external use. Lamp not included. Price: £13.00 (Save: 66% off; was: £39.97)
Right: Murano VIP semi-recessed low voltage downlight with large crystal sphere in cast glass with air bubble effect on chromed metal fitting. Price: £70(Save: 63% off; was: £188.00)

And this is just a small selection of the many modern light fittings for indoor / outdoor you will find at Sparks & Lights Showroom – located in Archway, North London!

£152.00

not just dimming the light: create the mood with Lutron Grafik 3000

The Grafik 3000 series of dimming systems from Lutron do not just dim the light – they create a mood at the simple touch of a button. With GRAFIK Eye and GRAFIK Integrale, each zone in a space is set at the appropriate level for the activity and saved together as one scene, retrievable later at the touch of a button. We have introduced the Lutron Dimmers and recommendations, a visual guide of the applications of the Lutron dimmers, and the Grafik 3000 + Grafik Integrale range via our blog. Yet there is more to say about these Lutron Dimming Systems, like:

• One stylish control replaces multiple switches and dimmers;
• Eliminate the guesswork of setting separate switches and dimmers every time;
• Slowly fade between lighting scenes — eyes have time to comfortably adjust;
• Add accessory wallstations to recall preset scenes from additional locations;
• Add interfaces for integration with AV systems and other equipment.

Some of the Lutron Grafik Eye 3000 applications – the difference

• Home cinema – The movie cannot begin until the lights dim.
• Lounges – Entertain guests, spend time with family, or watch TV.
• Dining room – Create the right lighting for intimate dining, family occasions, cocktail parties.
• conference room – Instantly transform a room for a general meeting, set up, AV presentation, or video conference.
• café – Create the perfect ambience for lunch meetings, cocktail hour, elegant dinners and clean-up.
• executive office – Create dynamic work spaces, reduce computer screen glare, and add infrared remote dimming  – with Lutron Grafik 3000 series.

Don’t just dim the light – create the desired mood with the touch of a button!

Set the scene(A scene is a programmed lighting environment designed to enhance a particular activity)

residential applications for the Grafik 3000 from Lutron - The Entertain Scene and the Movie Scene, with the Lighting Zone Levels

• The secret to great lighting is being able to control it.
• Match your activity or mood to your visual environment.
• Set the lights as you need them and the setting is automatically saved as one of your custom scenes.
• Retrieve it later at the touch of a button; no individual switches or dimmers to adjust again and again.

Commercial Applications of the Grafik 3000 from Lutron - the Special Event Scene and the All-On Scene, with the Lighting Zones Levels

More details with more models are listed on our website – Dimming Systems, Lutron Dimmers, Grafik Eye 3000 series. Buy online Lutron Grafik 3000 and Lutron Dimmers via SparksDirect – the best price online!

LUXOMAT energy saving single channel occupancy detector – surface or flush fitting

We have joined all the other voices online crying out for the more frequent use of more energy-saving solutions by introducing the PIR-presence detectors, the Time Lag switches, the B.E.G. Luxomat Detectors intro, some PIR detectors and info, the Illuma advice for energy saving, essential steps for saving the energy, google knol on energy saving, etc. To continue the introducing of the B.E.G Luxomat range of Occupancy Detectors, today we have the Luxomat PD3 series – single channel flush or surface mounted occupancy detectors. This range of detectors provides simple, localised control of the lighting or HVAC system, by automatically turning the load on when needed for indoor ceiling applications, with 360° coverage. The detector LUXOMAT® PD3-1C-SM is available in a e version with integrated acoustic sensor (micro version), can also cover persons who otherwise by the infrared radiation of the detector would not be recognized (e.g. in corners or behind walls)! Typical applications of the series of PD3 Luxomat Occupancy Detectors: monitoring of smaller areas like stairwells, private garages, galleries, wash rooms. Read more about the features and the technical data about this range.

Luxomat PD3 Occupancy Detector features

• Switches all types of light fixtures.
• Switches 2000W of incandescent or 1000W fluorescent load.
• 10m detection zone (5m seated, 6m walking towards and 10m walking across).
• 15 seconds to 30 minutes adjustable time delay.
• Models available: Surface mounted(SM) and Flush(FC) fittings.
• With or without acoustic sensor (micro).
• IP rating: SM is IP54, FC is IP20.
• 10 – 2000 Lux adjustable photocell.
• Manual controllable occupancy detector for inside use LUXOMAT® PD3-1C-SM/-FC/-FM PD3-1C-SM/-FC Micro for surface, false ceiling and flush mounting with circular detection area.
• One channel to switch the lighting.
• Switching for all types of light fixtures by high performance relay.
• Optical system, designed for highest sensitivity.
• Serial impulse function (gong).
• Sensitivity adjustment.
• SM fits onto conduit box.
• Buy the Luxomat PD3SM or Luxomat PD3FC via SparksDirect.

PD3 Occupancy Detectors – Technical Data

• Adjustments manual by potentiometer;
• Power supply: 230V~ +6%/-10%;
• Detection area: circular, 360°;
• Range in m (e.g.): Ø radius;
• Seated: 5.00 2.50;
• Walking across: 10.00 5.00;
• Walking towards: 6.00 3.00;
• Mounting height: 2 – 3m;
• Power consumption: < 1W;
• Light measuring: mixed light – artificial and daylight to control the light;
• Channel 1 (Control the lighting);
• Switching power: 2000W, 1000W; dry contact type: NO;
• Time settings: impulse or 30sec – 30min.;
• Light sensor: 10 – 2000Lux;
• Protection: SM IP54, FC and FM IP20, FC with accessory (92206) also IP23 / Class II / CE;
• Dimensions:
  - SM Ø 106 x H 52mm;
  - FC Ø 80 x H 84.5mm;
  - FM Ø 98 x H 65mm;
• Housing UV- and shock-resistant Polycarbonate;
• Ambient temperature: -25°C to +50°C.

To purchase the Flush Occupancy Presence detector Luxomat PD3FC or the Surface Mounted Occupancy Presence detector Luxomat PD3SM, visit the Occupancy Detectors&Switches category on our website.

energy saving solutions – save more than money with PIR presence detectors

To continue the same train of thought as we were having while introducing the Time Lag Switches(which are a good solution for the saving of the energy consumption) and the general intro for the PIR motion detectors, today we want to talk about a specific model – the SLFM360 from Timeguard – principles of functioning, where to locate it, and other features.

360º Flush Mount Ceiling PIR Light Controller – Features

• The SLFM360 utilises passive infrared technology to detect heat radiation of moving human bodies.
• Upon detection, the attached lighting load will illuminate for a user-determined time period.
• An integral daylight sensor ensures all day or night-only operation.
• Light Pollution and Considerate Lighting: Please be aware of the annoyance over-lighting an area can cause to your immediate neighbours.
• Light pollution caused by incorrectly installing a unit or over-lighting an area can be limited by carefully considering the location and position of your unit before installation.
• The light spread on all halogen floodlights can be reduced by angling the floodlight downwards on the mounting bracket.
• This will also concentrate the light on your property and limit the potential inconvenience of the light shining into your neighbours windows etc.
• Please see Selecting a Location for information on choosing the optimum location for any security light controlled by this unit.
• This product is suitable for indoor use only.
• Connected load must not exceed maximum 2000W filament/incandescent or 500W fluorescent/low energy lighting.
• Do not attempt to install if you are suffering from nausea or dizzy spells or on medication with similar side effects.
• If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
• Not suitable for use with discharge lighting.

Parts included in the SLFM360 PIR presence detector

• PIR Sensor unit.
• Instruction manual. Please keep safe for future reference.
• Accessory Pack. Includes wiring cover, 2 x cable clamps, 4 x clamp screws and 1 x lens mask sticker.

Tools and parts you need for installation

• 3 core flexible cable.
• Electric/hand-held drill & bits.
• 75mm or 3 inch diameter hole cutter.
• Terminal or Electricians screwdriver.
• Small Philips screwdriver.
• Wire cutters.
• Suitable mains interconnect cable.

Selecting a location for the PIR presence detector

• The motion detector has a number of detection zones, at various vertical and horizontal angles as shown.
• A moving human body needs to cross/enter one of these zones to activate the sensor.
• The best all-round coverage is achieved with the unit mounted at the optimum height of 2.5m.
• Careful positioning of the sensor will be required to ensure optimum performance.
• The sensor is more sensitive to movement ACROSS its field of vision than to movement directly TOWARDS. Therefore position the unit so that the sensor looks ACROSS the likely approach path.
• Avoid positioning the sensor where there are any sources of heat in the detection area (extractor fans, tumble dryer exhausts etc.) including opposite any other light sources such as other security lights.
• Reflective surfaces (ie pools of water or white-painted walls) and overhanging branches may cause false activation under extreme conditions.
• During extreme weather conditions the motion sensor may exhibit unusual behaviour.
• This does not indicate a fault with the sensor.
• Once normal weather conditions return, the sensor will resume normal operation.

This SLFM360 is part of SparksDirect’s offer of Energy Management solutions – see the full offer on our website, or download the pdf catalogue.

Crystal ceiling or wall lights, the Fabbian Vicky and Cubetto ranges, Italian made Glass and Crystal Lamps

A simple look at the Fabbian ranges of wall lights, ceiling lights, pendant lights, floor/table lights will leave you speechless in admiration of the high quality and fine details of each range. Every range put out by this Italian Light Fitting Manufacturer – Fabbian – includes Ceiling Pendant Lights, Wall Lights(single light, double light, uplighter, downlighter, flexible of fixed), table lights, floor lights, Suspension Ceiling Lights, etc. Recently we took a closer look at the Fabbian Vicky range and the Fabbian Cubetto range, and see for yourself what we found out:

Fabbian Vicky Pendant, Ceiling and Wall Lights – Crystal Decorated Lamps

Have you ever heard of the Fabbian Vicky Crystal Decorated Pendant / Ceiling Light or the Fabbian Vicky Crystal Wall Lamp? It is one of those high class glass lamps hanging from the ceiling that you see in the “rich people” ’s homes – but now available for everyone to see, enjoy, check out, and order online! When I was looking at the pictures from Fabbian, the Vicky Range simply stood out – the modern and classy design, the peculiar glass shape, the decorated diffusers…. it’s just Excellent!

Check out the features and also some of the pictures of how this lamp looks like, and… judge for yourself! Also – buy online the Fabbian Vicky range of light fittings via SparksDirect.

Fabbian Cubetto Wall, Pendant and Ceiling Suspension Lights – Pressed Crystal Lamps

In this article, we just want to have a nice showcase of the Fabbian Cubetto range of pressed crystal ceiling lights, wall lights, and pendant ceiling lights. There are some general features below, but the pictures(Cubetto one wall light, Cubetto multiple Suspension Ceiling lights, Cubetto wall lamps, etc) express more than a thousand words – just enjoy the selected photos of this range and…. to purchase them, click the respective links to visit the Fabbian Cubetto collection!

Continue reading this article – check out the Fabbian Cubetto excellent range of pressed crystal light fittings, and buy online Cubetto Lamps from SparksDirect.

Energy Saving solutions – use Time Lag Switches for reducing the energy consumption

There is a quick and effective way to reduce the energy consumption for the lighting applications – use time lag switches(time delay switches)! The way these wiring accessories work is – by pressing the button/the pad, the lights turns on and, after a set interval of time, the light turns off! The range of time lag switches found at sparksdirect.co.uk do not require a neutral connection – they can simply replace the existing light switch; also, in most cases they represent a simpler/cheaper/more effective solution for lighting control.

Where can you use a time lag switch? The Time Delay Switches are ideal for the lighting applications on the stairwells(staircases), in the meeting rooms, on the corridors, in the entrance lobbies, the store cupboards, at the toilets, etc. They are fully suitable for new or retro-fit applications.

General Key Features and Benefits of the Time Lag Switches

• The time lag switches do not require a neutral connection(easy replacement of the existing light switches).
• The time lag switches are multi-way – all models can be act as 1 way, 2 way or intermediate switches.
• High rating – they switch flourescent and incandescent loads(see their particular specs).
• Tamperproof switches: the lights turn off even if the button is wedged down.
• Optional: weatherproof – for placing outdoors, outdoor lighting control.
• The Time interval – up to 20minutes, ensuring user safety(can be manually adjusted).
• Unless otherwise specified, these time delay switches take 10A of lighting including incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent, low voltage (switch primary of transformer).

Some more specific models of such Electronic Time Delay Switches

The Push Button Electronic Time Lag Switches, the Ellipse range

• Push button activated, with a large ellipse button;
• Interval: 10sec – 20mins; can be used in 1/2ways and intermediate;
• Load rating at 230VAC – both at Incandescent, Fluorescent and Compact flourescent – 10A;
• Buy this Ellipse Time Lag Switch online.

The Push Button Electronic Time Lag Switches, the KH1 range

• The duration is set by the thumbwheel on the reverse of the unit, 20sec – 20mins, 10A;
• Comes with extra terminals to allow slave switches to be connected to the system to trigger the timer. The KH1N version has an illuminated push button to allow the unit to be located in the dark.
• Buy online this Round Button Time Delay Switch.

The Touch Activated Electronic Time Lag Switches, the KH2 range

• Available also in Weatherproof versions(KH3);10secs – 20mins;
• can be used as intermediate and 1/2 ways; activated by touching the pad;
• this is a time delay switch touch activated, with the option of having a neon;
• Buy this touch activated time lag switch online.

The MK Time Lag Switch with Rocker Switch

• Loads taken: 60W – 400W;
• Adjustable time delay 2-15minutes;
• Not suitable with fluorescent lamps, 2D or energy saving lamps/low voltage systems;
• Purchase online this MK made Time Lag Switch.